Pallet having adjustable posts

ABSTRACT

A pallet including a base and a plurality of adjustable posts, each adjustable post disposed on a corner of the base. Each post includes a base segment, a knuckle and a post extension. A knuckle is pivotably and slideably connected to each of the base segment and the post extension such that each portion of the post is capable of being disposed at right angle with respect to another in configurations for loading, unloading, storage and stacking. Prior to loading or unloading of contents onto and off from the pallet, each post may be disposed in a way that enhances access to the base or contents of the pallet. For storing and stacking the contents of the pallet, each post may be disposed in a way to form a periphery to protect the contents and to have sufficient strength to receive another pallet stacked on top of the pallet.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of priority fromprovisional application U.S. Ser. No. 62/013,252 filed on Jun. 17, 2014.Said application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to a pallet with adjustableposts. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a palletwith adjustable posts capable of being stacked either while loaded orempty.

2. Background Art

As is well known to those well versed in the palleting art, the qualityof palleting devices has important bearing on initial palleting costs,shipping costs and safe delivery of goods. Many pallets are notstackable, necessitating large areas on decks of transport trucks,ships, aircraft and trains to accommodate pallets disposed at a singlelevel. Further, structures that are custom constructed for stacking suchas shelves may involve wasted spaces and are unsuitable for loading andunloading of contents of pallets due to rigid supporting structuresbeing in the path of such activities. An attempt has been made asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,581 to Nichols (hereinafter Nichols) toprovide a collapsible pallet for transporting cargo which has adjustableheight stacking posts positioned at each of the four corners. Each postis pivotably attached about a fixed post portion and is rotatable tovertical locked positions to be stacked above the stationary postportion and provide adjustable height to the pallet. Although Nicholsprovides adjustable height posts, it fails to provide a pallet havingposts which can be substantially moved out of the way to allowconvenient loading and unloading of the contents of the pallet while theposts stay attached to the pallet even when the posts are disposed inthe position allowing loading and unloading of the contents of thepallet.

Thus, there arises a need for a pallet capable of easy loading andunloading of the contents of the pallet even when the pallet includesfeatures which protect the contents of the pallet that are still inplace and attached to the pallet. There also arises a need for a palletcapable of allowing stacking of a pallet atop another and leaving thefeatures attached to the pallet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pallet 2for supporting and protecting materials to be stored or transported, thepallet including:

-   -   (a) a base 6 having a plurality of corners;    -   (b) a plurality of adjustable posts, each adjustable post        including:        -   (i) a base segment 8 having a first width, a top end, a            bottom end attached to one of the plurality of corners and            an elongated slot 32 disposed on a portion of the base            segment 8 and aligned in the lengthwise direction of the            base segment 8;        -   (ii) a post extension 12 having a second width, a top end, a            bottom end and an elongated slot 32 disposed on a portion of            the post extension 12 and aligned in the lengthwise            direction of the post extension 12;        -   (iii) a knuckle 10 having a top end, a bottom end, a top            cavity disposed on the top end of the knuckle 10, the top            cavity having a top width greater than that of the second            width, a bottom cavity disposed on the bottom end of the            knuckle 10, the bottom cavity having a bottom width greater            than that of the first width, a top pin 34 disposed on the            top end of the knuckle 10, a bottom pin 34 disposed on the            bottom end of the knuckle 10, the knuckle 10 is pivotably            and slideably connected about the bottom pin 34 to the            elongated slot 32 of the base segment 8 such that the            knuckle 10 is capable of rotation in a first plane when the            top end of the base segment 8 becomes disengaged from the            bottom cavity and the knuckle 10 is pivotably and slideably            connected about the top pin 34 to the elongated slot 32 of            the post extension such that the knuckle 10 is capable of            rotation in a second plane that is substantially            perpendicular to the first plane when the post extension 12            becomes disengaged from the top cavity and the plurality of            adjustable posts become erected when the top end of the base            segment 8 is inserted in the bottom cavity and the bottom            end of the post extension 12 is inserted in the top cavity,            whereby when the materials are to be loaded on the base 6,            the plurality of adjustable posts are configured such that            each knuckle 10 is disposed in the first plane and extends            outwardly from the base to provide space for loading of the            materials and when the pallet 2 is to be transported without            the materials, the plurality of adjustable posts are            configured such that each knuckle 10 is disposed in the            first plane and extends inwardly toward the base to provide            a compact pallet.

In one embodiment, the base 6 is substantially rectangular.

In one embodiment, the pallet 2 further comprises a plurality of bumpers22, each bumper 22 disposed on one post extension 12 to preventinadvertent contact of the materials with extraneous items, e.g., walls,etc.

In one embodiment, the base 6 comprises a cradle having across-sectional profile including a curvature adapted for supporting aroll.

In one embodiment, the base 6 comprises a cradle having across-sectional profile including a curvature having a radius of fromabout 6 inches to about 16 inches where the cradle is adapted forsupporting a roll.

In one embodiment, a top end of the post extension 12 further comprisesa cavity and a bottom end of the base segment 8 further comprises a foot30 configured for insertion into a cavity of a top end of a postextension 12 of a second pallet disposed below the pallet.

In one embodiment, the base 6 comprises a surface capable of receivingfasteners, e.g., nails and screws.

An object of the present invention is to provide a pallet capable ofreceiving another pallet disposed atop the pallet or stacking anotherpallet below the pallet while the contents of the pallet can be loadedand unloaded with ease.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pallet havingadjustable posts which remain attached to the pallet regardless of theposition of the adjustable posts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pallet havingadjustable posts that can be disposed out of the way not only forloading and unloading of the contents of pallet but also for the ease ofworking around the pallet, e.g., via the availability of toe clearancesand absence of trip hazards.

Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, eachembodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in anycombination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarilymeet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more importantfeatures of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptionthereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additionalfeatures of the present invention that will be described herein and willform a part of the subject matter of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially transparent top perspective view according to oneembodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on thebase of the pallet.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of thepresent pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on the base of thepallet.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of thepresent pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet is stackedonto a bottom pallet.

FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a post according to oneembodiment of the present pallet, depicting the post being disposed in aloading or unloading position.

FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of a post according to oneembodiment of the present pallet, depicting the post being disposed in aloading or unloading position with a portion of the knuckle removed toreveal construction details of the knuckle, base segment, and postextension.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of thepresent pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloadingposition.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of thepresent pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloadingposition and a roll being positioned to be supported on the base of thepallet.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment the presentpallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowed positionconvenient for compact stacking.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of thepresent unloaded pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet isstacked onto a bottom pallet.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment of thepresent pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on the base of thepallet.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment thepresent pallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowedposition convenient for compact stacking.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of according to another embodiment ofthe present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading orunloading position.

FIG. 13 is one embodiment of the knuckle, depicting the use of tabbedpads as limiters for securely engaging the engagement portions of a basesegment and a post extension.

FIG. 14 essentially depicts the knuckle of FIG. 13 with one of thehalves of the knuckle removed to reveal the pads attached within thespace created within the halves constituting the knuckle.

PARTS LIST

-   2—pallet with adjustable posts-   4—platform-   6—base-   8—base segment-   10—knuckle-   12—post extension-   14—receptacle or cavity-   16—fastener-   18—roll-   20—location control detent-   22—bumper-   24—forklift pockets-   26—cradle-   28—radius of cradle profile-   30—foot-   32—slot-   34—pin-   36—sleeve-   38—board-   40—structural support frame-   42—end board-   44—limiter-   46—radius of roll-   48—single forklift fork-   50—double forklift fork-   52—cutout for accommodating tab-   54—tab-   56—half of knuckle-   58—band where profile curvature transitions to horizontal surfaces-   60—width of pallet-   62—height of pallet-   64—length of pallet

Particular Advantages of the Invention

The present pallet includes posts which can be moved out of the way tofacilitate loading or unloading of the contents of the pallet while theposts remain attached to the pallet. As the posts remain attached, thepossibility of losing the posts in storage and transit is eliminated.The means by which the posts are made adjustable enables the posts to beadjustable while providing sufficient strength to support anotherstacked pallet either while loaded or unloaded.

The present pallet includes posts which can be collapsed and disposed ina compact fashion while the posts remain attached to the pallet. Again,as the posts remain attached, the possibility of losing posts in storageand transit is eliminated. Again, the means by which the posts are madeadjustable enables the posts to support another stacked pallet eitherwhile loaded or unloaded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around,or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with anumerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundariesabove and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term“about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below thestated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

FIG. 1 is a partially transparent top perspective view according to oneembodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on thebase of the pallet. FIG. 2 is a front elevational view according to oneembodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on thebase of the pallet. The present pallet 2 is useful for holding rolls ofmaterial with or without cores, equipment or components, finished goods,palletized fresh produce, frozen foods in sea containers, eggs onpallets, and any other materials that are prone to damage by direct toploading. Disclosed herein is a pallet 2 for supporting and protectingmaterials to be stored or transported. The pallet 2 includes a base 6and a plurality of adjustable posts. In the embodiment shown, the base 6includes a plurality of corners. In the embodiment shown, the base issubstantially rectangular and includes four corners. Such a shapeenables efficient use of space as there will be minimal amounts of gapsbetween adjacently placed pallets. However bases of other shapes, e.g.,oval and circular, etc., may also be used provided that the postssubstantially envelope the contents loaded on the base. In one exampleshown, the contents include a roll of materials supported on a platform4 or cradle having a cross-sectional profile of a curvature suitable tosupport a portion of the cylindrical surface of a roll 18. In oneembodiment, the cradle 4 is replaceable. Therefore, a suitable cradlehaving a suitable profile curvature radius may be selected to support aroll. Referring to FIG. 2, it shall be noted that when disposed on thepallet, the roll 18 is disposed within an envelope delineated by thebase 6 and the posts, each post including a base segment 8, a knuckle 10and a post extension 12. For a rectangular base 6, a total of four postsare made available, each extending upwardly from a corner of the base 6.It shall also be noted that each post further includes a bumper 22 toensure that an envelope delineated by the four bumpers 22 is sufficientto prevent inadvertent contact of the roll 18 with extraneous items,e.g., walls, etc. It may be argued that in order to avoid contact of thecontents with extraneous items, the corners may be enlarged and theposts disposed around a larger area. However, disposing posts over alarger area typically requires the use of a larger base, platform andany structures functionally connected to the base and responsible forsupporting the posts. Forklift pockets 24 are made available on front orrear faces of the pallet to facilitate engagement of the pallet withforklifts from the front or rear faces of the pallet. These pockets 24also serve as the structures that support the pallet once laid on afloor. The pallet 2 may alternatively be lifted laterally using aforklift. Strapping may be used to further secure the roll 18 to thepallet 2. In one example, at least one strap may be threaded through thecore of the roll 18 and secured to the base 6. Other means of tying downthe roll or any contents may be used to limit shifting of the contentsof the pallet relative to the pallet during transit or even in storage.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the width 60 ofthe pallet 2 measures from about 24 inches to about 72 inches, theheight 62 of the pallet 2 measures from about 30 inches to about 78inches and the length 64 of the pallet 2 measures from about 24 inchesto about 72 inches.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of thepresent pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet is stackedonto a bottom pallet. In order to save floor or horizontal space, thepresent pallet is capable of being stacked atop a structure having fourposts having receptacles configured to receive the four feet 30 of thepresent pallet. The structure can be any construction having such partsor any floor or another such pallet. When erected, the top end of a postextension 12 of a post includes a receptacle 14 for receiving a foot 30.In order to stack two pallets, the top pallet is first aligned such thatthe posts of the top pallet are roughly aligned with the posts of thebottom pallet. Upon satisfaction that the top pallet has been properlyaligned with the bottom pallet, the top pallet is dropped gently ontothe bottom pallet such that each foot 30 of the top pallet is nested inthe receptacle 14 of a post extension 12. The ability to stack loaded orempty pallets eliminates the need for fixed steel racking systems inwarehouse spaces as the configuration which enables it to protect itscontents in transit also allows it to be stowed away safely andefficiently.

FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a post according to oneembodiment of the present pallet, depicting the post being disposed in aloading or unloading position. FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective viewof a post according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depictingthe post being disposed in a loading or unloading position with aportion of the knuckle removed to reveal construction details of theknuckle 10, base segment 8, and post extension 12. Each joint connectingthe base segment 8 and knuckle 10 or the knuckle 10 and the postextension 12 is essentially a combined slideable and rotatable joint.Each adjustable post includes a base segment 8 having a first width, atop end, a bottom end attached to one of the plurality of corners and anelongated slot 32 disposed on a portion of the base segment 8 andaligned in the lengthwise direction of the base segment 8. Eachadjustable post also includes a post extension 12 having a second width,a top end, a bottom end and an elongated slot 32 disposed on a portionof the post extension 12 and aligned in the lengthwise direction of thepost extension. Each adjustable post also includes a knuckle 10 having atop end, a bottom end, a top cavity disposed on the top end of theknuckle 10 and having a top width greater than that of the second width,a bottom cavity disposed on the bottom end of the knuckle and having abottom width greater than that of the first width, the bottom cavitydisposed on the bottom end of the knuckle, a top pin 34 disposed on thetop end of the knuckle, a bottom pin 34 disposed on the bottom end ofthe knuckle. The knuckle 10 is pivotably and slideably connected aboutthe bottom pin to the elongated slot 32 of the base segment 8 such thatthe knuckle 10 is capable of rotation in a first plane when the top endof the base segment becomes disengaged from the bottom cavity and theknuckle 10 is pivotably and slideably connected about the top pin to theelongated slot 32 of the post extension 12 such that the knuckle 10 iscapable of rotation in a second plane that is substantiallyperpendicular to the first plane when the post extension 12 becomesdisengaged from the top cavity. The plurality of adjustable posts becomeerected when the top end of the base segment 8 is inserted in the bottomcavity and the bottom end of the post extension is inserted in the topcavity. The dimensions of the engaging portions of a knuckle 10 and theengaging portions of the corresponding post extension 12 and basesegment 8 are preferably configured such that these parts fit snugglywhile engaged. Referring to FIG. 6, the knuckle 10 includes a sleeve 36which acts as a location control detent for the engaging portions of thebase segment 8 and the post extensions within the bottom and top cavity,respectively to ensure that the engaging portions square up against oneanother to produce accurate erected posts.

In another embodiment, one or more elongated slots may be disposed on aknuckle to replace one or more pins disposed on the knuckle 10 shown inFIG. 4 to replicate the relative sliding and pivoting motions betweenthe knuckle 10 and the post extension 12 and/or base segment 8. In suchconfigurations, the matching pin/s may then be disposed on the postextension 12 and base segment 8 to replace the elongated slot/s.

In yet another embodiment, an elongated slot configured for use with amatching pin may be disposed on a first part, e.g., base segment 8,knuckle 10 and post extension 12 provided its matching pin is disposedon a second part, e.g., base segment 8, knuckle 10 and post extension12, that is configured to interface with such first part.

In yet another embodiment, a cavity is alternatively disposed on the topend of the base segment 8 and configured to receive the bottom end ofthe knuckle 10 which has a smaller width and configured to be removablyinserted in the cavity of the base segment 8. Similarly, the bottom endof the post extension 12 may alternatively be made a cavity and the topend of the knuckle 10 be configured to have a smaller width such that itcan be removably inserted in the bottom end of the post extension 12.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of thepresent pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloadingposition. When a material is to be loaded on the base, the plurality ofadjustable posts are configured such that each knuckle is disposed inthe first plane and extends outwardly from the base to provide space forloading or unloading of the material. In disposing a post in thisconfiguration, its knuckle is lifted from its engaged position with abase segment 8. Such action is permissible as the bottom pin of theknuckle which ensures that the knuckle 10 remains attached to the basesegment 8 slides along the elongated slot 32 of the base segment 8. Asthe bottom cavity of the knuckle 10 clears the top end of the basesegment 8, the knuckle 10 can now be rotated in a plane to a desiredposition. At one location, the knuckle 10 comes in contact with alocation control detent 20 which prevents the knuckle 10 from travelingfurther, leaving sufficient toe space below the knuckle 10. At thisknuckle 10 position, the post extension 12 is then pulled against theknuckle 10 such that the bottom end of the post extension 12 becomesdisengaged and cleared from the top cavity of the knuckle 10. Theknuckle 10 then becomes capable of being rotated in a plane that issubstantially perpendicular to the plane in which the knuckle 10 isconfigured to rotate, to be as compact as possible and out of the way ofloading and unloading activities of the pallet. In disposing the post ina configuration shown in FIG. 8, the knuckle 10 is simply rotated withinits rotation plane such that the knuckle 10 and post extension 12 cannow rest on the platform of the pallet. If desired, another locationcontrol detent 20 may also be opposingly along a side wall of theknuckle 10 to prevent a resting knuckle 10 and its corresponding postextension 12 from contacting the platform 4. In returning disengagedpost components (base segment, knuckle and post extension) to theirerected configuration, the post extension 12 is preferably first engagedwith the knuckle 10 by aligning and inserting the bottom end of the postextension into the top cavity of the knuckle 10. The bottom cavity ofthe knuckle 10 of the now-engaged post extension 12 and knuckle 10 isnow ready to receive the top end of the base segment. Upon lifting andaligning the bottom cavity of the knuckle 10 of the now-engaged postextension 12 and knuckle 10, the now-engaged post extension 12 andknuckle 10 are dropped onto the top end of the base segment 8. It hasnow been demonstrated that a highly articulated post that is capable ofbeing configured to provide access to the contents of pallet is alsocapable of supporting a large load disposed on it when erected. Noextraneous locking mechanisms are required. It shall be noted that, theposts remain attached in all configurations, removing the need to locatethe posts when they are required.

In one example, in loading a roll onto a present pallet, a single fork48 of a forklift is placed within the core of the roll 18 and raised tolift the roll 18. The forklift is then maneuvered such that the axis ofwinding of the roll 18 becomes roughly parallel to the longitudinaldirection of the pallet. In another example, double forks are usedinstead to lift a roll directly, e.g., forks 50 are positioned roughlyat about 4 o'clock and about 8 o'clock positions with respect to theroll 18 for lifting the roll 18. For roll palleting, the curvature 26 isprovided to assist loading by automatically centering the roll 18 aboutthe longitudinal edges of the pallet. The practice of centering the roll18 about the transverse edges of the pallet is also important and caremust be taken so that the end (flat) surfaces of the roll 18 arecorrectly placed within the space delineated by the posts.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of thepresent pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloadingposition and a roll being positioned to be supported on the base of thepallet. It shall be noted that, upon disposing the adjustable posts inthe configuration shown, an operator responsible for maneuvering theroll 18 will only need to be concerned with clearing the base segments8. In one embodiment, the radius of the curvature profile includes aradius 28 of from about 6 inches to about 16 inches. The radius 46 of atypical roll 18 supported on such a cradle, ranges from about 6 inchesto about 16 inches. If a cradle having a profile curvature radius notmatching the radius of a roll to be supported must be used, the radiusof the roll is preferably smaller than the profile curvature radius suchthat roll is not inadequately supported, i.e., at only two bands 58where the profile curvature transition to horizontal surfaces. It shallbe noted that, for each post, there is provided a location controldetent 20 disposed on a travel limit of a knuckle 10 within the plane ofrotation of the knuckle with respect to a base segment 8. During loadingor unloading, a corner moved out of the way of the contents of thepallet will stay parallel to the floor. This provides for toe clearancewhen working close to the pallet. The location control detents 20 alsomaintain the posts at an easy-to-reach height and position.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment the presentpallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowed positionconvenient for compact stacking. When the pallet has been unloaded, theplurality of adjustable posts can be disposed such that each knuckle 10is disposed in the first plane and extends inwardly toward the center ofthe base 6 to provide a compact pallet 2.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of thepresent unloaded pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet 2 isstacked onto a bottom pallet 2. It shall be noted that the top end ofeach base segment 8 includes a receptacle 14 configured to receive afoot 30 of a pallet 2 above it. The process for stacking an empty pallet2 is similar to the process of stacking a loaded pallet 2 as shown inFIG. 3 although it may be easier to stack an empty pallet 2 as it islighter and the empty pallet 2 may be handled with increased stability.In one example, ten empty pallets 2 can be safely stacked to amount to atotal height of less than 103 inches, i.e., high density return ratio,enabling cost effective trucking cost.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment of thepresent pallet, depicting a roll 18 already loaded on the base of thepallet. In this embodiment, the base is essentially constructed from astructural support frame 40 with the exception of the longitudinal endswhere boards 38 suitable to receive screws, e.g., wood screws, and nailsetc., are provided so that a roll already loaded onto end boards 42 maybe secured to the boards 38 using fasteners 16. An end board 42 isessentially a right-angled structure with a first plane having asubstantially centrally disposed hole to support one end of a roll and asecond plane having apertures through which fasteners can be disposed tohold the end board 42 to a board 38. The boards 38 may be constructedfrom wood or plastic and preferably secured to the base using aplurality of fasteners, e.g., screws. It is also possible to constructan underlying portion of the boards from a suitable load bearingmaterial, e.g., steel and overlaying the underlying portion with plasticor wood top surfaces. As fasteners may be directly embedded in theboards 38, they are treated as consumables and made replaceable,enabling the use of fresh and structurally sound support. In thisexample, the end boards 42 can simply be secured onto the boards 38,e.g., with fasteners 16, without requiring strapping or tie-downs. It isconceivable that multiple units of such end boards-roll combination canbe arranged laterally and/or vertically and loaded onto this embodimentof the present pallet.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment thepresent pallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowedposition convenient for compact stacking. It shall be noted that, inthis embodiment, the post extensions 12 are too long to be arranged topoint at one another and therefore may be staggered. Similar to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 8, the posts remain attached to the pallet,eliminating the possibility of misplacing posts. This is especiallyuseful when the pallet needs to be sent back to its place of originwhere contents had been previously loaded. If posts are detachable, thechance of losing the posts can be high and the chance of recovering lostposts can be low.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of according to another embodiment ofthe present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading orunloading position. Again, the post extensions 12 are too long to bearranged to point at one another and therefore may be staggered toprevent trip hazards and produce a pallet 2 with the smallest footprintpossible when the pallet is configured for loading or unloading. Notethat the posts are now disposed outside of the platform area.

FIG. 13 is another embodiment of the knuckle 10, depicting the use oftabbed pads as limiters 44 for securely engaging and squaring theengagement portions of a base segment 8 and a post extension 12. When apost has been erected, the top end of its limiter 44 comes in contactwith the bottom end of the post extension 12 and the bottom end of thelimiter 44 comes in contact with the top end of the base segment 8. FIG.14 essentially depicts the knuckle 10 of FIG. 13 with one of the halvesof the knuckle 10 removed to reveal the pads attached within the spacecreated within the halves constituting the knuckle 10. The knuckle 10 isessential a composite of two halves 56, each half being a bracket havingtwo staggered right angled pieces. Cutouts 52 are strategically placedin the halves 56 such that when they are combined, the cutouts 52 canreadily receive the tabs 54 of two limiters 44, each dimensioned to bedisposed perpendicularly to the interior walls of the combined halves56. The engaging edges of the halves are preferably interlocking, muchlike the means by which puzzle pieces are assembled. In constructing theknuckle 10, the limiters 44 are positioned in one half 56 such that thetabs 54 are inserted in their corresponding cutouts 52 before the otherhalf 56 is assembled to enclose the limiters 44. The tabs 54 are weldedonto the halves 56 and the halves 56 are welded together at theirinterlocking edges, leaving the limiters 44 and the interior walls thatcome in contact with the limiters 44 not welded and free from any weldbeads or artifacts which can compromise the fitment of the knuckle 10relative to the base segment 8 and the post extension 12.

The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show,by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which thepresent disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may beutilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined withone or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims,with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. Itwill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that anyarrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of thepresent invention. It is to be understood that the above description isintended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that thephraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodimentsand other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponstudying the above description. The scope of the present disclosedembodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of theabove structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of theembodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims,along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims areentitled.

What is claimed herein is:
 1. A pallet for supporting and protectingmaterials to be stored or transported, said pallet comprising: (a) abase having a plurality of corners; (b) a plurality of adjustable posts,each adjustable post comprising: (i) a base segment having a top end anda bottom end attached to one of said plurality of corners; (ii) a postextension having a top end and a bottom end; (iii) a knuckle having atop end, a bottom end; and (iv) a pair of combined slideable androtatable joints, a first one of said joints is adapted to connect saidbottom end of said knuckle to said top end of said base segment suchthat said knuckle is pivotably and slideably connected to said basesegment enabling said knuckle rotation in a first plane when said topend of said base segment becomes disengaged from said bottom cavity anda second one of said joints is adapted to connect said top end of saidknuckle to said bottom end of said post extension such that said knuckleis pivotably and slideably connected to said post extension enablingsaid knuckle rotation in a second plane that is substantiallyperpendicular to said first plane when said post extension becomesdisengaged from said top cavity, whereby when the materials are to beloaded on said base, said plurality of adjustable posts are configuredsuch that each knuckle is disposed in said first plane and extendsoutwardly from said base to provide space for loading the materials andwhen the pallet is to be transported without the materials, saidplurality of adjustable posts are configured such that each knuckle isdisposed in said first plane and extends inwardly toward said base toprovide a compact pallet.
 2. The pallet of claim 1, wherein each jointof said pair of combined slideable and rotatable joints comprises a pinand an elongated slot configured to rotate about and slide along saidpin.
 3. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said base is substantiallyrectangular.
 4. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said base comprises acradle having a cross-sectional profile including a curvature adaptedfor supporting a roll.
 5. The pallet of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of bumpers, each bumper disposed on one post extension toprevent inadvertent contact of the materials with extraneous items. 6.The pallet of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a cradle having across-sectional profile including a curvature having a radius of fromabout 6 inches to about 16 inches, said cradle is adapted for supportinga roll.
 7. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said top end of each said postextension further comprises a cavity and said bottom end of each saidbase segment further comprises a foot configured for insertion into thecavity of a top end of a post extension of a second pallet disposedbelow said pallet.
 8. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said basecomprising a surface material capable of receiving fasteners selectedfrom the group consisting of nails and screws.
 9. The pallet of claim 8,wherein said surface material is selected from the group consisting ofwood and plastic.
 10. The pallet of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of forklift pockets.
 11. The pallet of claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of end boards for supporting the materials.
 12. Thepallet of claim 1, wherein the materials comprise a roll.
 13. A palletfor supporting and protecting materials to be stored or transported,said pallet comprising: (a) a base having a plurality of corners; (b) aplurality of adjustable posts, each adjustable post comprising: (i) abase segment having a first width, a top end, a bottom end attached toone of said plurality of corners; (ii) a post extension having a secondwidth, a top end and a bottom end; (iii) a knuckle having a top end, abottom end, a top cavity disposed on said top end of said knuckle, saidtop cavity having a top width greater than that of said second width, abottom cavity disposed on said bottom end of said knuckle, said bottomcavity having a bottom width greater than that of said first width; and(iv) a pair of combined slideable and rotatable joints, a first one ofsaid joints is adapted to connect said bottom end of said knuckle tosaid top end of said base segment such that said knuckle is pivotablyand slideably connected to said base segment enabling said knucklerotation in a first plane when said top end of said base segment becomesdisengaged from said bottom cavity and a second one of said joints isadapted to connect said top end of said knuckle to said bottom end ofsaid post extension such that said knuckle is pivotably and slideablyconnected to said post extension enabling said knuckle rotation in asecond plane that is substantially perpendicular to said first planewhen said post extension becomes disengaged from said top cavity andsaid plurality of adjustable posts become erected when said top end ofsaid base segment is inserted in said bottom cavity and said bottom endof said post extension is inserted in said top cavity, whereby when thematerials are to be loaded on said base, said plurality of adjustableposts are configured such that each knuckle is disposed in said firstplane and extends outwardly from said base to provide space for loadingthe materials and when the pallet is to be transported without thematerials, said plurality of adjustable posts are configured such thateach knuckle is disposed in said first plane and extends inwardly towardsaid base to provide a compact pallet.
 14. The pallet of claim 13,wherein each joint of said pair of combined slideable and rotatablejoints comprises a pin and an elongated slot configured to rotate aboutand slide along said pin.
 15. The pallet of claim 13, wherein said baseis substantially rectangular.
 16. The pallet of claim 13, wherein saidbase comprises a cradle having a cross-sectional profile including acurvature adapted for supporting a roll.
 17. The pallet of claim 13,wherein said top end of each said post extension further comprises acavity and said bottom end of each said base segment further comprises afoot configured for insertion into the cavity of a top end of a postextension of a second pallet disposed below said pallet.
 18. The palletof claim 13, further comprising a pair of end boards for supporting thematerials.
 19. A pallet for supporting and protecting materials to bestored or transported, said pallet comprising: (a) a base having aplurality of corners; (b) a plurality of adjustable posts, eachadjustable post comprising: (i) a base segment having a first width, atop end, a bottom end attached to one of said plurality of corners andan elongated slot disposed on a portion of said base segment and alignedin the lengthwise direction of said base segment; (ii) a post extensionhaving a second width, a top end, a bottom end and an elongated slotdisposed on a portion of said post extension and aligned in thelengthwise direction of said post extension; (iii) a knuckle having atop end, a bottom end, a top cavity disposed on said top end of saidknuckle, said top cavity having a top width greater than that of saidsecond width, a bottom cavity disposed on said bottom end of saidknuckle, said bottom cavity having a bottom width greater than that ofsaid first width, a top pin disposed on said top end of said knuckle, abottom pin disposed on said bottom end of said knuckle, said knuckle ispivotably and slideably connected about said bottom pin to saidelongated slot of said base segment such that said knuckle is capable ofrotation in a first plane when said top end of said base segment becomesdisengaged from said bottom cavity and said knuckle is pivotably andslideably connected about said top pin to said elongated slot of saidpost extension such that said knuckle is capable of rotation in a secondplane that is substantially perpendicular to said first plane when saidpost extension becomes disengaged from said top cavity and saidplurality of adjustable posts become erected when said top end of saidbase segment is inserted in said bottom cavity and said bottom end ofsaid post extension is inserted in said top cavity, whereby when thematerials are to be loaded on said base, said plurality of adjustableposts are configured such that each knuckle is disposed in said firstplane and extends outwardly from said base to provide space for loadingthe materials and when the pallet is to be transported without thematerials, said plurality of adjustable posts are configured such thateach knuckle is disposed in said first plane and extends inwardly towardsaid base to provide a compact pallet.
 20. The pallet of claim 19,wherein said base comprises a cradle having a cross-sectional profileincluding a curvature adapted for supporting a roll.